Illiterate Writers

There seems to be this strange breed of writer I have come across from time to time. I write because I love to read and to me the two are intertwined. Devouring stories is a frequent past time for me, and with each story the hunger grew greater until the only solution seemed to be to create my own worlds and stories.

Why then would someone who does not like to read try to create them? Note even a hypothetical question since this type of writer actually exists. I don't mean the writer who sheepishly admits they haven't' had time to read much, being so sucked into their own projects, but a person who calls them selves a writer and in the same breath proudly proclaims they don't read much. As if it was some sort of feat, or special talent. If prodded or asked for clarification on why, these writers demise the question casually stating they don't want their work to be tainted by others that are similar.

Research is for the unimaginative and they don't want their baby to be influenced by the obviously inferior work that would lay beside their own on the shelves. That is what they say, as they look down upon the very people who read their work.

In my younger years I was a bit of a hypocrite in the same situation. I wrote poetry though I had no interest in it outside of my own work. My excuse was my youth. Being a teenager makes you say and do a lot of dumb stuff, but to continue with that line of thought even after leaving high school I cannot imagine.

Reading in your own genre, and in others as well is important. It helps to learn what is out there, and can help with aspects of writing you have difficulty. Though I don't stay on top of the market exactly I do pay attention to current themes that seem to crop up. Writing a story about a princess who takes up sword fighting isn't 'edgy' or 'new' perhaps a couple decades ago it was, but if you force yourself out of the loop then how can you expect to speak to those who read the genre?

It's something I see from time to time, some wannabe writer (and I say that as a wannabe writer) proclaims they have the next greatest sci-fi book ever, but are quick to clarify that they don't read such things. I can't help but think of a scene from Friends when Joey was being interviewed and when the last question was what sort of soap opera he liked, he proclaimed that he found them stupid. Of course he at least was unaware of what sort of show he was in.

Similar to when people say "I could do so much better". Which is then followed up with, "Oh yeah? Go on then", to which they reply, "Can't be bothered". And there it is. What are the chances of these morons actually going out, "being bothered", and achieving something? Slim to none.

It's just an ego thing. How many of the people you describe actually churn out a novel? Probably none. But any that do will realise that they suck, and go out and read some successful books to see how it's done.

Of course there will be the odd bastard who has so much raw talent that he/she succeeds first time. But they're a statistical anomaly, screw 'em!

Interesting post. I think we've all encountered someone like this at least once.

I don't know. Most writers are also avid readers, but maybe some people just enjoy the creation process and not so much the reading part. I have a friend who doesn't even like to play video games and yet she works for a game developer, so what gives right?

Language, for me, is a means to an end. We are constantly writing, listening to and reciting stories to others around us. Our friends, family- even strangers we meet from day to day. Writing, in my opinion that is, is a means of conveying thoughts and idea's, constructing an imaginary world that exists only within your mind, in the minds of others. No easy feat of course, but it is achievable in my opinion, without having to be a huge book worm. Story telling is a talent, that is inherent as well as developed through quiet diligence.

Yes, one who reads a great deal, would indeed be more likely to produce a great piece of literature. This is a reasonable assumption to make. But one does not mandate the other, just as a person having been extensively read does not imply they have the ability to produce a captivating story. (Although it would help a great deal imo) I know many who fit this category. They enjoy reading a great deal more than I do, but lack the ability to write as well as I do (I hope this doesn't come off sounding as pretentious or arrogant at all).

I think it to be a rather elitist, and close minded view one should prescribe to. Everyone has the capacity for greatness, and we all have different tastes. Our liking for writing is subjective to some extent. Who is to say what is a great work of art, and what is not?

Interesting post. I think we've all encountered someone like this at least once.

I don't know. Most writers are also avid readers, but maybe some people just enjoy the creation process and not so much the reading part. I have a friend who doesn't even like to play video games and yet she works for a game developer, so what gives right?

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This is an interesting point, and one I think holds some truth to it. A good novel can be produced via meticulous attention to detail, diligence and a deep understanding of the mechanics associated with it. But I suspect there are a number of talented story tellers that have produced great pieces of literature in the past, who needn't understand the theory behind such concepts, but merely create for the sheer thrill of it These are the creators, those persons who are able to stir up our imaginations at a whim, conjure up fantastical make-believe worlds in their minds; without much effort or understanding of the processes of how they are able to do so.